Rainstorm

i. Introductions

Scarlett's POV
The rain fell as quickly onto the window screen as the wipers snapped the droplets off. 'I love this song' Alex shouts over the loud music which encases the car. 'Same' I shout back over the song, beginning to sing along. The day seemed to fly by as I was blessed by Alex's company. Riding shotgun with Alex, singing to whatever music comes on shuffle, always calms me and allows us both to escape from the reality of our lives.

As the song draws to a close, Alex glances over at me from the drivers seat. 'What's up?' I ask him. 'Oh nothing' he replies, 'Just wondering if your still up for our annual McDonald's?' He asks grinning. 'Of course I am!' I say back excitedly as he pulls into the car park.

-

Every year, the day before school starts again after summer, we do three things; Go to McDonald's, make cookies (playing Lego Indiana Jones on the Xbox while they're baking) and sleep over at either of our houses, alternating each yeah. This year is Alex's turn. I'm always excited for our sleepover as we have done it religiously since we were 4 years old making it our 13th year.

-

McDonalds is relatively packed for 7pm, with families and others from our school. Thankfully, Alex parked near the entrance so we didn't have to run too far in the pouring rain. Even so, I'm still pretty soaked, mascara starting to run down my face.

'I'll get us our table, while you order' I say as I start to walk away. I don't even need to tell him my order anymore.

Alex's POV
I don't need to be told Scarletts order, I know it off by heart now. As she grabs us our usual seat, I order and then pull out my phone whilst I'm waiting. My new profile picture seems to be quite popular with the ladies, as always.

I reply to the comments and then take the food over to our table, picking up straws and ketchup as I pass. 'Hey' Scar says as I sit down across from her. 'Jessica Almouth won't stop staring at us' she says. I turn around and smile at her across the room. She squeals and turns away. 'Better?' I sarcasticly ask Scar who is already digging into the food. 'Much better' she replies with her mouth full.

-

During a heated disscusion on Why Mcdonalds don't sell hot dogs, something diverts Scarletts attention, drawing her in. I spin round, expecting it to be Jessica again when I see two boys that I don't recognise coming through the door. 'Wow' Scarletts says from behind me. I turn back quickly. 'Really?' I ask yet I already know the answer.

'Yes Alex' she says, whilst in mid daydream.

'Hey, lets go' I say before Scar starts drooling all over the table.

Thankfully, she replies 'Okay' and grabs the tray. By this point, the boys are staring, watching Scar leave. I can't help but feel jealous as she smiles sweetly at them and then joins me by the door.

Scarlett's POV
We drive home in silence, the only sound coming from the radio which is much quieter than before.

When Alex finally takes the keys out of the ignition, we sit there in silence outside his house for what seems like ages. 'Whats up, Al?' I ask him, placing my dainty hand on his muscly leg. He turns to face me and replies 'Nothing' giving me one of his best smiles. I sqeeze his leg lightly, something we always do if we know the other is stressed.

'Sure?' I ask, still not certain.

'Sure' he says turning to open the door. I open my door and step out. As I reach him in front of the car, he puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me in as we walk.

-

'Hi Scarlett' Alicia, Alex's mum shouts into the entrance hall as she hears us come in.

'Hi' I shout back.

'Hey mum, where did you put the cookie ingredients?' Alex asks as we round the corner into the lounge. 'On the counter, as always' she replies, rolling her eyes at me. I laugh until Alex looks at me. I stop and then we both burst out laughing.

Alex's POV
Being in Scarlett's company is so easy. We get along like a house on fire.

'Hiiiii Scarlett' I hear my two little brothers chorus. As Scar enters the kitchen they both run up to her and give her a hug. The smile on her face is so genuine my heart aches. I get my phone out and snap a picture before the moments over. 'No greeting for me then?' I ask my brothers jokily.

'Hi Alex' they say moodily. A moment passes before they both burst out laughing and soon we are all laughing together. 'What's so funny?' mum asks as she comes into the kitchen, placing her mug on the counter. 'Nothing' we all say in chorus, grinning at her. Its then that we start laughing again. Tonights going to be a good night, I can just feel it.